"Bartz is the definition of 'adult management' and has shown herself to be able to grow companies through both good and bad times," said Dan Olds, principal analyst at Gabriel Consulting Group.

"While she was at Autodesk, revenue multiplied by five times. She doesn't have any experience that is directly applicable to Yahoo, working mainly with tangible products. I actually believe this will be a benefit to the company. She will bring a forceful pragmatism that I believe is missing at Yahoo. I see her as a force that can change the culture at Yahoo, focusing the company's efforts."

Olds also noted that with Bartz possibly on board at Yahoo, talks between Yahoo and Microsoft could be renewed. "I would expect her to take a hard look at a potential deal and evaluate it on its business merits," he added. "This is a contrast with previous management, where you had the feeling that they were much more interested in remaining independent from MS at all costs."

Smart home- or wearable tech: which is more likely to benefit your digital life this year?

I'm more likely to buy smart home- than wearable tech this yearI'm more likely to buy wearable- than smart home tech this yearI'll probably buy both smart home- and wearable tech this yearI'm unlikely to buy smart home- or wearable tech this yearNot sure/don't know